OVERVIEW

Montego Bay, the second largest city in Jamaica is a popular tourist destination and is a great getaway for an accessible vacation. Visitors buzz about the aqua blue waters, the friendly people, and the sandy white beaches. There are many accessible hotels to choose from, and accessible tours and transportation to explore the beautiful island.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Jamaica is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar. US dollars are accepted in Jamaica.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

MONTEGO BAY : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Sir Donald Sangster International Airport: Assistance is available upon request. Visitors must contact your airline to request special assistance (e.g. aisle/straight back transfer chair). There are wheelchair accessible restrooms located in the terminal. There are no family/companion bathrooms available at the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Tours by Solomon: Wheelchair accessible tours are provided by driver/tour guide Solomon. The vehicle is a Toyota mini-van with a hydraulic ramp at the rear. The vehicle can accommodate six people including the person who utilizes a wheel chair. The tours are custom tours, to fit each group of people. A general tour is 3hrs, which offers a small historic tour of Montego Bay, shopping and Highlights. Solomon also offers tours in Ocho Rios, from the pier.

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RENTAL VEHICLE (Accessible Van)

There are rental cars in Montego Bay, but no wheelchair accessible vans for rental use.

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TAXI

Taxis are a popular way to get around the island, but unfortunately there are no “traditional” taxis equipped with a ramp or lift for people with a disability who utilize a mobility device.

Kens Wheelchair Service: “There is an Accessible Taxi Service with vans that have a lift on the back. They are great and do airport to Hotel Transfers as well as day trips.” Alex, 5/24/2010

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SHUTTLE

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BUS

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

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FERRY

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MONTEGO BAY : Accommodations

HOTELS

Breezes Runaway Bay and Breezes Trelawney: “Both have accessibe rooms and are excellent hotels providing super all inclusive service. Staff are great and accomodationg. You have to ask in advance for accessible rooms as they have a limited number available.” Alex, 5/24/2010

Iberostar All Inclusive Resort: “In March, 2010 we went to Montego Bay, Jamaica. We stayed at one of the all-inclusive Iberostar Resorts. I had an accessible room which worked very well. We enjoyed the resort very much.” Thomas, 5/19/2010

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MONTEGO BAY : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Tours by Solomon: Wheelchair accessible tours are provided by driver/tour guide Solomon. The vehicle is a Toyota mini-van with a hydraulic ramp at the rear. The vehicle can accommodate six people including the person who utilizes a wheel chair. The tours are custom tours, to fit each group of people. A general tour is 3hrs, which offers a small historic tour of Montego Bay, shopping and Highlights. Solomon also offers tours in Ocho Rios, from the pier.

“We were also able to arrange documentation with a taxi driver who had a wheelchair accessible van. He was also excellent, very reliable, and very personable and we wholeheartedly recommend him also. His name is Solomon Hutchinson. His phone number is 876-368-7820, his e-mail address is solomonhutchinson@hotmail.com.” Thomas, 5/19/2010

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ACTIVITIES

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

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MONTEGO BAY : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Nursing Care: “The information I would like to add is that of a nurse who provided my home healthcare. I’ve had a spinal cord injury at C6 and require assistance in mornings getting up and going.

The travel agency we used, AAA, actually found a nurse who provided my care. She works several part-time jobs, among them she works as an on-site nurse for the Iberostar resort.

I was able to care for over a month’s notice and she was able to arrange her schedule to provide two or three hours of assistance for me every day that we were there.

As one might expect, wages for nurses are far below what they are in the US. She told me that for an eight hour shift she works occasionally in the emergency room as a registered nurse, she makes $50. I paid her what I would have made at a minimum in the US, $25 an hour. She was extremely grateful. She did a wonderful job, at least as good as anyone I have ever had on my travels before. Her name is Romeyann Hibbert. Her e-mail address is Romeyann.hibbert@Yahoo.com . I wholeheartedly recommend her.” Thomas, 5/19/2010

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Cornwall Medical: 876-952-5210 Tourism Board, 6/3/2010

Independent Living: Based in Kingston, provides a variety of durable medical equipment for sale or for rent including scooters, lifts, and beds.

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MONTEGO BAY : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

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OTHER USELFUL LINKS:

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OVERVIEW

Ocho Rios, a popular destination in Jamaica for tourists, is home to beautiful beaches and a lush rain forest. The physically challenged traveler can easily visit for the day via cruise ship, as the port is equipped with a large dock capable of serving multiple cruise ships, or can stay longer at one of the all-inclusive resorts.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Jamaica is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar. US dollars are accepted in Jamaica.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

OCHO RIOS : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Donald Sangster Airport, located in Montego Bay, offers convenient access to Ocho Rios. The airport terminal has two levels and there is an elevator inside near the arrivals corridor to access the second floor. For more information about wheelchair accessibility or other accessible services, contact your airlines for more information.

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CRUISE PORT

Ocho Rios has a large dock capable of accommodating multiple cruise ships at one time. The town is a short distance away from the cruise terminal, and is easily reached via paved walking path that follows the road.

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TAXI/SHUTTLE

“We docked in Ocho Rios in December 2011. Had previously found Ernest Turnbull and had him meet us at the port. My wife is in an electric wheelchair, and his van had a very wide detachable ramp on the back, which worked out fine. Ernest is very knowledgeable and friendly. He took us wherever we wanted to go, and recommended locations also. His e-mail is ernest_turnbull@yahoo.com, and telephone is (876)844 9980. Cost was $200 for up to 4 people, but the van could hold a couple more. Payment is due when he meets you at the ship. We strongly recommend Ernest.” Dick & Nona, 12/20/2011

Maxi Tours: This company has a smaller full-size van with a rear entry lift. I was able to get in the van in my electric wheelchair without any problems and was very comfortable. We were even able to fit six passengers as well. Our driver was full of energy and sang reggae songs for most of our ride, encouraging us to sing along. The company does not have a website, but you can e-mail them here, or call them at 876-779-9211.

“Ocho Rios was one stop on a recent cruise. There was a taxi stand at the cruise port where a helpful dispatcher was able to call an us accessible taxi. We then negotiated a price for a private tour of the area. The taxi we used was from “Juta Tours” so you might also be able to prearrange something. The taxi had a hydraulic lift into the back and there was room for at least 4 or 5 more passengers.” Pam, 1/14/09

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

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OCHO RIOS : Accommodations

HOTELS

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LUXURY RESORTS

The Jewel Dunn’s River Resort: “The Jewel Dunn’s River Resort is a new Jamaican beach resort located mere moments from one of Jamaica’s top attractions, spectacular Dunn’s River Falls. We spent several days there at the Jewel, and had a great time.” Bill, 9/26/2011

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OCHO RIOS : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

“We docked in Ocho Rios in December 2011. Had previously found Ernest Turnbull and had him meet us at the port. My wife is in an electric wheelchair, and his van had a very wide detachable ramp on the back, which worked out fine. Ernest is very knowledgeable and friendly. He took us wherever we wanted to go, and recommended locations also. His e-mail is ernest_turnbull@yahoo.com, and telephone is (876)844 9980. Cost was $200 for up to 4 people, but the van could hold a couple more. Payment is due when he meets you at the ship. We strongly recommend Ernest.” Dick & Nona, 12/20/2011

Maxi Tours: We used Maxi Tours to tour Ocho Rios, the nearby rainforest, Coyaba Gardens, and Dunn’s River Falls. As we stated above, the van was able to easily accommodate one power wheelchair and six passengers.

Tours by Solomon: Wheelchair accessible tours are provided by driver/tour guide Solomon. The vehicle is a Toyota mini van with a hydraulic ramp at the rear. The mini van can accomodate six people including the person who utilizes a wheel chair. The tours are custom tours, to fit each group of people. A general tour is 3hrs, which offers a small historic tour of Montego Bay, shopping and Highlights. Solomon also offers tours in Ocho Rios, from the pier.

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ACTIVITIES

Coyaba Gardens: Home to many plant specimens, the gardens are beautiful, and a great way to get a quick education about the many varieties of plants on Jamaica. We hired a docent at the grounds to guide us through the gardens and educate us about the plants. The gardens are mostly accessible. There is a section of path that has stairs, but there are alternative routes if you can’t ascend them (but you do need to back track).

Dunn’s River Falls: The falls are a popular attraction for visitors to Ocho Rios. There is a fee to enter the park, and unfortunately, the falls are not wheelchair accessible.

“There is a wheelchair accessible lookout platform near the top of the falls. No need to wait outfront. It is nicely shaded. Some pathways are fairly steep.” Ken, 4/19/11

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Ocho Rios has an active nightlife. Because we visited on a cruise, we did not stay and visit any clubs or restaurants.

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OCHO RIOS : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Independent Living: Based in Kingston, provides a variety of durable medical equipment for sale or for rent including scooters, lifts, and beds.

Add your knowledge about medical equipment rentals for this destination.

OCHO RIOS : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Ocho Rios has few options for accessible transportation, so to make the most of your trip, make sure you plan ahead by making the proper reservations.